Electrical appliances at home are made to work at a specific range of voltage values. Typical voltages range from 110 to 120 volts as supplied by power-generating companies using the alternating current standard. In some countries, the range from 220 to 240 volts is also the accepted standard. When supplied electrical power is below the specified voltage range, the electrical appliance would not work since the available power is not enough. When voltage, however, is beyond the specified range, the electrical appliance will likely be damaged due to the excessive power being supplied. The electrical wirings, electronic circuit boards, and additional electrically sensitive elements are burnt down with power surge. In order to prevent damage, surge protection systems are installed on power lines or within the electrical appliance or component.
How Surge Protection Works
When power is supplied beyond the voltage threshold, the surge protector automatically blocks or diverts undesirable power. Diversion of excess voltage borrows the concept of shorting the circuit and drives undesirable power towards the ground. A metal oxide variable resistor or varistor (MOV) is the most common element used for the application of diverting additional voltage. The varistor has the quality of having variable resistive properties. This component also works with low voltage supplies by producing high resistance so as to preserve an approximately consistent power supply to the appliance. This kind of protector, nonetheless, also has its voltage limits. When voltage is already extremely high, the embedded fuse trips the supply completely to prevent further damage.
Commercial and Industrial Surge Protectors
Protectors are designed for both industrial and commercial applications. Industrial variations use advanced innovations such as thermally protected MOVs created to work in severe environments. Fail-safe operations are ensured with above-average energy capacities. For very easy integration, these devices are made to be installed easily on panel boards, motor control centers, bus plugs, and other commercial utilities. For light commercial applications, protectors can be bought as standalone devices compactly created so as to allow easy mounting on normal electricity distribution equipment. Surge protectors are available in a range of current ratings, for industrial and commercial uses, to provide the maximum levels of protection.
Causes of Power Surges and Ways to Protect Your Appliances
- Power outage cycles
- Electrical short circuits
- Use of high-power equipment
- Malfunctions from the power company
- Inductive spikes
Surge protection devices work to keep your appliances safe from power surges resulting from different causes. Due to the technical knowledge required to make use of such component, services from electrical companies are strongly recommended, like this established electrician working around West Island. Installing the component includes evaluating your electrical wiring systems in your building and examining your optimal requirement for protection. In this modern-day society where most of the comfort in the building is supplied by expensive electrical appliances, having excellent surge protection systems is worth the financial investment.